Sunday, 06 March 2011
Tina writes: The forecast had promised a dry afternoon with sunny intervals and eight riders, including new rider Andy, assembled at Brookside, keen to stretch their legs. Daniel was determined to make us earn our tea and had planned a 'Four Peaks' route (well 'hills' anyway!), taking in both Chapel and Croydon hills.
We took the cycleway out through Barton, turning left towards Haslingfield and then everyone clicked down for the climb over Chapel Hill, pausing to admire the view and snatch a quick drink at the top. We swept down to Barrington, then right to Orwell, through the village and across the unusually quiet A603 to Wimpole Hall, joining families and dog walkers as we crossed the park to Arrington.
We cycled through Croydon, chatting, enjoying views across Cambridgeshire countryside and admiring the last of the snowdrops along the verges. Croydon Hill brought conversation to an abrupt end as we pedalled upwards to the Hatleys. From here it was a relatively straight and flat road on to Gamlingay and the intriguingly named Gamlingay Cinques.
Instead of turning right at the crossroads down Drove Road to the B1040, we headed straight over the junction for a final loop with Tetworth Hill, in our sights. As Pitsdean Road swept sharply round to the left, we took the right fork along a quiet lane, to climb our final 'peak', Lily Hill. Unfortunately, Paul discovered his rear tyre was soft indicating a puncture, but was able to inflate it enough to ride the last mile, rather than doing a roadside repair.
We reached Waresley Park around 4pm, joining three remaining day riders enjoying their cakes and tea. After a half hour break, Paul repaired his puncture and we headed back to Cambridge, splitting into two groups around Caxton – afternoon riders opting for the gentler route, while the day riders tackled the hillier road through Caxton End. From Caxton, we took the direct road back along the B1046 through Bourn, Toft, Comberton, finally rejoining the Barton cycleway. We arrived back in central Cambridge by 6.15pm and according to Daniel's GPS had clocked up a respectable
39 miles. By this time it was nearly dark, though noticeably lighter than last week – roll on the Spring!
Tina FilbyView this GPS track on a larger map
1 comments from old website
Wednesday 9th Mar 2011 at 9.20am
Meant to thank Daniel for planning a great ride - lovely views from top of those hills & perfect pace :-) Tina